On December 14, 2020, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) signed a new Science and Technology Agreement (STA) that will strengthen cooperation between the two societies to advance joint understanding on a broad range of science and technology topics. Present at the virtual ceremony from the United States were the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs David Stilwell, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jonathan Moore, the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary Mung Chiang, Director of the American Institute of Taiwan’s Taipei Office W. Brent Christensen, , and Managing Director of the American Institute of Taiwan’s Washington Office Ingrid D. Larson. The Taiwan attendees included Minister of Science and Technology Wu Tsung-Tsong, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Deputy Economic Minister Chen Chern-chyi, and Representative Bi-khim Hsiao from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.
The STA is a major achievement that builds on the success of the inaugural Economic Prosperity Dialogue between the United States and Taiwan, held under the auspices of AIT and TECRO on November 20, 2020 in Washington, D.C and Taipei.
The United States recognizes the importance of collaborative science and technology endeavors. We are pleased with the successful scientific research cooperation that has developed over many years between the United States and Taiwan, under the auspices of AIT and TECRO. This scientific research continues to blossom with the shared commitment to the research integrity principles of openness, transparency, reciprocity, and merit-based competition, which are fundamental to global scientific research, innovation, and technological cooperation. This agreement reaffirms that Taiwan is a trusted partner that shares these important principles, promotes under-represented groups in research communities, and holds true to the values of democracy and freedom.
Elevating the cooperation between the United States and Taiwan, through AIT and TECRO, across scientific research, technology, and innovation promises to strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding, deepen our economic ties, contribute to global science and technology knowledge, and solve global challenges.